Florida General Contractor Exam Study Guide
Updated Syllabus (2026/2027 Edition)
Disclaimer: These questions are based on standard industry practices and Florida-specific
regulations commonly found on the exam. Always verify with the current DBPR reference
materials.
Section 1: Business & Finance (Contractor Administration)
1. In a construction contract, the "substantial performance" doctrine means:
The contract has been completed except for minor details that do not affect the
habitability or use of the structure.
ANSWER ✓
2. A contractor signs a fixed-price contract for $150,000. During the project, the
cost of lumber increases by $10,000. Who is responsible for this increase?
The contractor, because a fixed-price contract places the risk of cost increases on the
contractor.
ANSWER ✓
3. According to Florida Statute 713 (Mechanic's Lien Law), a contractor must
provide a copy of the "Notice of Commencement" to the property owner:
Within 10 days of recording it, or before commencing work, whichever is earlier.
ANSWER ✓
4. What is the time limit for a General Contractor to file a Claim of Lien in Florida?
Within 90 days from the last date of providing labor, services, or materials.
ANSWER ✓
5. A "Time and Materials" (T&M) contract typically includes:
The actual cost of materials, labor at agreed hourly rates, and an additional markup for
overhead and profit.
, ANSWER ✓
6. If a property owner fails to pay the contractor, who must the contractor serve
with a "Notice to Owner" to preserve lien rights?
The property owner (and the lender, if known).
ANSWER ✓
7. Liquidated damages clauses in contracts are enforceable if:
The amount is a reasonable forecast of damages caused by the delay and the damages
are difficult to calculate precisely.
ANSWER ✓
8. A contractor's license in Florida must be renewed:
Every two years.
ANSWER ✓
9. The difference between a "Waiver of Lien" and a "Release of Lien" is:
A Waiver is given before payment (conditional or unconditional), while a Release cancels
an existing filed lien.
ANSWER ✓
10. Which type of business structure provides the owner with the most protection
from personal liability for company debts?
Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC).
ANSWER ✓
11. The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) falls under which
state department?
Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
ANSWER ✓
12. If a contractor wants to bid on a federal government project, what labor law
must they comply with?
The Davis-Bacon Act (prevailing wage requirements).
ANSWER ✓
, 13. A "Performance Bond" guarantees:
That the contractor will complete the project according to the contract documents.
ANSWER ✓
14. What is the purpose of a "Payment Bond" on a public project?
To guarantee that subcontractors and suppliers will be paid.
ANSWER ✓
15. Retainage on a private construction project in Florida is typically:
Negotiated between the parties, as there is no statutory requirement for private works.
ANSWER ✓
16. To legally qualify for a Certificate of Exemption under 713.02(6), a property
owner must:
Occupy the property as a residence and be constructing an improvement for their own
use and occupancy.
ANSWER ✓
17. A "Scope of Work" is best defined as:
A detailed description of the work to be performed, materials to be used, and quality
standards required.
ANSWER ✓
18. The "Budget" for a project is used to:
Estimate the costs required to complete the Scope of Work.
ANSWER ✓
19. A contractor receives a down payment of 10%. According to Florida law, these
funds should be:
Held in trust until the materials are delivered or work is performed.
ANSWER ✓
20. The statute of limitations for a breach of a written construction contract in
Florida is:
5 years.
Updated Syllabus (2026/2027 Edition)
Disclaimer: These questions are based on standard industry practices and Florida-specific
regulations commonly found on the exam. Always verify with the current DBPR reference
materials.
Section 1: Business & Finance (Contractor Administration)
1. In a construction contract, the "substantial performance" doctrine means:
The contract has been completed except for minor details that do not affect the
habitability or use of the structure.
ANSWER ✓
2. A contractor signs a fixed-price contract for $150,000. During the project, the
cost of lumber increases by $10,000. Who is responsible for this increase?
The contractor, because a fixed-price contract places the risk of cost increases on the
contractor.
ANSWER ✓
3. According to Florida Statute 713 (Mechanic's Lien Law), a contractor must
provide a copy of the "Notice of Commencement" to the property owner:
Within 10 days of recording it, or before commencing work, whichever is earlier.
ANSWER ✓
4. What is the time limit for a General Contractor to file a Claim of Lien in Florida?
Within 90 days from the last date of providing labor, services, or materials.
ANSWER ✓
5. A "Time and Materials" (T&M) contract typically includes:
The actual cost of materials, labor at agreed hourly rates, and an additional markup for
overhead and profit.
, ANSWER ✓
6. If a property owner fails to pay the contractor, who must the contractor serve
with a "Notice to Owner" to preserve lien rights?
The property owner (and the lender, if known).
ANSWER ✓
7. Liquidated damages clauses in contracts are enforceable if:
The amount is a reasonable forecast of damages caused by the delay and the damages
are difficult to calculate precisely.
ANSWER ✓
8. A contractor's license in Florida must be renewed:
Every two years.
ANSWER ✓
9. The difference between a "Waiver of Lien" and a "Release of Lien" is:
A Waiver is given before payment (conditional or unconditional), while a Release cancels
an existing filed lien.
ANSWER ✓
10. Which type of business structure provides the owner with the most protection
from personal liability for company debts?
Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC).
ANSWER ✓
11. The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) falls under which
state department?
Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
ANSWER ✓
12. If a contractor wants to bid on a federal government project, what labor law
must they comply with?
The Davis-Bacon Act (prevailing wage requirements).
ANSWER ✓
, 13. A "Performance Bond" guarantees:
That the contractor will complete the project according to the contract documents.
ANSWER ✓
14. What is the purpose of a "Payment Bond" on a public project?
To guarantee that subcontractors and suppliers will be paid.
ANSWER ✓
15. Retainage on a private construction project in Florida is typically:
Negotiated between the parties, as there is no statutory requirement for private works.
ANSWER ✓
16. To legally qualify for a Certificate of Exemption under 713.02(6), a property
owner must:
Occupy the property as a residence and be constructing an improvement for their own
use and occupancy.
ANSWER ✓
17. A "Scope of Work" is best defined as:
A detailed description of the work to be performed, materials to be used, and quality
standards required.
ANSWER ✓
18. The "Budget" for a project is used to:
Estimate the costs required to complete the Scope of Work.
ANSWER ✓
19. A contractor receives a down payment of 10%. According to Florida law, these
funds should be:
Held in trust until the materials are delivered or work is performed.
ANSWER ✓
20. The statute of limitations for a breach of a written construction contract in
Florida is:
5 years.
